The Renault Kangoo is part of the Renault brand's electrification strategy through its Z.E. range, launched in 2011. Unlike the Renault Zoé or the Twizy, the Kangoo Z.E. is available in a number of versions, from theutility to the 5-seater. It leads the commercial vehicles electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs). Upgraded in 2017 to 33 kWh, let's take a look at this Kangoo Z.E. Maxi (large volume) and see why it dominates the French LCV market. utilities.
Test Renault Kangoo MAXI Z.E. 33 kWh : theautonomy we've been waiting for
Le Kangoo Z.E. was launched in 2011 and has become one of the most popular electric vans the best-selling car on the market. It uses technology similar to that of the Renault ZOE, theutility receives a battery 33 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 44 kW electric motor developing 60 hp. The 33 kWh battery has a greater capacity than the original battery, and although it occupies the same space under the load floor as the old battery, the footprint of the battery remains the same and does not encroach on the rear load volume.
The upgrade of the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. to 33 kWh means that it benefits from a new heat pump in the air conditioning system, which helps to maintain range even in cold weather by limiting the use of electric resistors, which consume energy.
Charging the new Kangoo Z.E. has been made quicker and easier thanks to a new charger that is twice as powerful as the one it replaces. A full charge now takes just six hours when plugged into a 32A socket, an hour longer than its predecessor despite the 11 kWh increase in the battery. Allow 35 km per hour of charging.
The van has a payload of 640 kg and comes in three body styles: Standard, Maxi and Maxi Crew. The standard version is 4.28 metres long and has a load capacity of 3.0 cubic metres, while the Maxi is 4.66 metres long and can carry 4.6 cubic metres. The Maxi Crew is the five-seater version of the Maxi and, as a result, has a reduced load volume of 3.4 cubic metres.
Test Drive Renault Kangoo MAXI Z.E. 33 kWh: The utility vehicle that does it all
On the road, the new Renault Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is the ideal van for city driving. Turn the key and it's hard to notice the electric motor come to life. Then simply switch on the automatic gearbox, release the handbrake and off you go.
Acceleration is a little disappointing for an electric vehicle, with low initial torque. It's certainly slower than the Citroën e-Berlingo and particularly slow on any gradient. Our test vehicle was rear-loaded with 250kg, yet we expect most Kangoo Maxi Z.E. drivers to carry a similar load in their daily activities.
However, it's unlikely that many potential buyers will base their decision on pure performance, which is the only downside to driving pleasure.
City driving is effortless, the steering is precise and it's easy to take bends in town despite its size. The absence of engine noise eliminates on-board vibrations and leaves room for silence. You tend to forget about the driving experience when you're driving a car. utility given its use, but an electric vehicle in the city is first and foremost a relaxing experience.
Inside, the Kangoo Maxi Z.E. is more modern than its competitors. The plastics on the dashboard can be improved and are hard. The TomTom satellite navigation system is an optional extra, and the dashboard touchscreen is set deep into the dashboard, so you'll have to stretch to touch it - be careful not to be too small.
Range is based on the NEDC standard (less precise than WLTP). During our test drive, the actual range was 198 km, which is perfectly equivalent to its cousin the Nissan e-NV200, but with a smaller battery. That's a good point.
